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stock to cope with a loss of grass caused by drought.
• "There are a lot of cattle moving now at these livestock auctions and that's due to drought," Fox said.
• The program inspects the brands on about 1.5 million head of livestock each year when cattle or horses are sold, slaughtered or moved out of the inspection area, which covers all of South Dakota west of the Missouri River. Most of the inspections are at local sale barns, but some are conducted at ranches for private sales or when livestock is shipped elsewhere.
• Board members said they are worried that the 10-cent increase in the inspection fee might not be sufficient to support the program if cattle are sold during the drought and sales drop after the herds are depleted. Fewer sales would result in fewer inspection fees paid.

• Board member Curt Mortenson of Fort Pierre said livestock numbers could fall because grassland used to raise cattle is being plowed up to grow crops. He said another increase in the inspection fee might be needed in the future if ranchers reduce their cattle herds.
• "To keep this program sound, viable and on a sound financial footing, we may have to do this again, Mortenson said.
• Another board member, Wanda Blair of Vale, also said the 10-cent boost may not be enough to cover expenses for very long. Future board members may be forced to raise the fee much higher, she said.
• "We're almost setting up the next board for a heck of a fight," Blair said.
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